Testing Noise Regulations - Bike These days, all racing circuits have noise restrictions and at MotorSport Vision we are unfortunately no exception. It is extremely important that we operate in compliance with our limits so that we also minimise any disturbance to local communities.
Noise can travel a long way, particularly in certain climatic conditions and therefore we must act in accordance with the regulations to ensure the future of racing for everyone that abides by the rules. Please help us by making your bike as quiet as possible before taking part in any on circuit activity.
Although the requirements below may seem restrictive, they ensure that the majority of customers who do not attempt to flaunt the noise limits are able to continue to enjoy their events without jeopardising future of motorsport with further restrictions.
Anyone wishing to have their bike tested before a test day is more than welcome to come to one of our circuits and have a noise test free of charge. Simply find a day at your most local track when an event is taking place (all events are listed on our Calendar) and arrive sometime between the start and finish times of the event and we can get your bike tested in just a couple of minutes.
The initial test is a static test which is carried out using a handheld meter. As per ACU guidelines, each bike is measured 0.5 meters away from the exhaust at a 45 degree angle when the engine is being held at the following RPM:
Engine Size
1 cylinder
2 cylinder
3 cylinder
4 cylinder
250cc (4 stroke)
5,500rpm
8,500rpm
400cc (4 stroke)
5,000rpm
6,500rpm
7,000rpm
8,000rpm
600cc (4 stroke)
5,000rpm
5,500rpm
6,500rpm
7,000rpm
750cc (4 stroke)
5,000rpm
5,500 rpm
6,500rpm
7,000rpm
+750cc (4 stroke)
4,500rpm
5,000rpm
5,000rpm
5,500rpm
125cc (2 stroke)
7,000rpm
250cc (2 stroke)
7,000rpm
500cc (2 stroke)
5,500rpm
7,000rpm
7,000rpm
In cases where the motorcycle has two separated exhausts the measurement will be taken as above from the median point between the two.
For bike testing, the noise regulations for each of the circuits are as follows:
Brands Hatch
Oulton Park
Cadwell Park
Snetterton
Bedford Autodrome
Indy Circuit (Daytime) - 105dB(A)
All circuits - 105dB(A)
All circuits - 105dB(A)
Daytime - 105dB(A)
All circuits - 101dB(A)
Indy Circuit (Evening) - 102dB(A)
Evenings - 105dB(A)
GP Circuit 101dB(A)
Please note: we also run some events at 98dB(A). Please see the booking page of your event for details.
Please note that we run some events at 102dB(A). Please see the booking page of your event for details.
Please note that we also run some evenings at 102dB(A). Please see the booking page of your event for details.
Bedford Autodrome also has a 87.5dB(A) drive-by limit which is measured at a distance of 20m.
Tel: 01474 872331
Tel: 01829 760301
Tel: 01507 343248
Tel: 01953 887303
Tel: 01234 332400
For Supermono class, Vintage and Classic prior to 1973, the test RPM will continue to depend upon the mean piston speed corresponding to the stroke of the engine, according to the table produced in the ACU Sound Control Regulations.
If you are unsure about the times that we are running noise testing then you can contact each circuit directly on the phone numbers above.
At Bedford Autodrome, we also enforce a drive-by limit of 87.5dB(A) which is measured at a distance of 20m. Whilst we do not currently impose a drive-by limit at any of our other circuits, in the interests of ensuring that the spirit of the noise level limits is respected, we do monitor drive-by levels using noise meters located around the track. If the results of the drive-by monitoring show that your vehicle is generating drive-by sound levels appreciably higher than vehicles with comparable static test results, then you may be called into the pit-lane to address the noise level being generated.
Additional Information
Factors such as air temperature and humidity can affect the level of noise that your bike is producing. This means that whilst on one day your bike is within the respective limits, on another it may fall outside of those limits, preventing you from participating.
For your own piece of mind we urge you to keep a record of your bikes noise level at each event. If you are ever within 1dB(A) of a particular limit then we suggest that you strongly consider having your exhaust looked at before making another booking.
Exhausts do get louder with age as the packing deteriorates and it may be that you need to purchase an additional silencer or baffle before attending another event.